A long avenue that for many years has been the backbone of the entire urban development of Ashgabat remains one of the symbols of the Turkmen capital throughout its history. The longest street crossing Ashgabat straight from east to west has had different names over the years. Since independence to this day, the avenue proudly bears the name of Magtymguly – the great poet, philosopher and patriot, whose image represents the best national qualities.
The avenue appearance is gradually changing. New houses and squares are being built along its sides, and it is growing further and further, just like the growing understanding in the national consciousness of the role of the legendary Magtymguly in forming the modern social thought in the country, in shaping the image of the country among members of the international community. The avenue named after Magtymguly is not just a central street of the Turkmen capital. This is a symbol of the dynamics of the country’s historical development, a symbol of confidence in the correctness of the chosen course.
Speaking last February at a meeting of the Presidium of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the special significance for the country of the 300th birth anniversary of the great poet and thinker, Magtymguly Fraghi, because of the people’s boundless pride, love and respect for the works by the great master of artistic words.
“The ideas of humanism of Magtymguly Fraghi serve for each and every one of us individually as a true guideline leading to love and universal harmony, and therefore the study and popularization of his life and literary path, literary heritage everywhere – not only in the country, but also abroad – is quite justified. Magtymguly Fraghi is a classical poet who elevated the Turkmen people and raised its reputation in the world. In the new era of the sovereign Fatherland, which the great thinker dreamed of, Turkmenistan has significantly strengthened its position and influence in the world arena, becoming stronger day by day. And these achievements became possible thanks to our people’s unity, perseverance, determination and great love for the Motherland, its commitment to the precepts of the wise Magtymguly,” the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan emphasized.
And in fact, if one tries to comprehend, say, such an important aspect of the modern life of the country as the philosophical and ideological foundations of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy in its interconnectedness with the history, roots and centuries-old traditions of the Turkmen people, then the best reflection of these concepts is best found in the activities and the works of the thinker, poet and educator Magtymguly Fraghi.
Magtymguly travelled to many countries. There is documentary evidence of his visits to the territories of modern Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Syria, and a number of other states. This left an imprint on his worldview and became the core of his civic position, based on respect for other peoples, good neighbourliness and friendship. At the same time, while in other lands, Magtymguly brought knowledge to the local people about his Motherland, about the Turkmen people, their traditions and customs. It was a process that is now called the interpenetration of cultures and knowledge.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that Magtymguly in this sense was an outstanding diplomat who made an invaluable contribution to the process of interpenetration of the Turkmen’s own culture and the way of life and culture of other peoples and, at the same time, to the formation of the Turkmen national character, which is not characterized by ethnic isolation and unsociability. On the contrary, this character is open, sensitive to the surrounding world, combining democracy and tradition, respect for others and its own dignity.
The conceptual foundations of Turkmen foreign policy can be safely described as the manifestation of the high ideals professed by Magtymguly. The philosophical part of his works, his voice in defence of peace, justice, humanism, friendship, patriotism, openness and respect for all peoples – all this is part of the genetic code of the Turkmen people. The foreign policy of Turkmenistan inherited and continues his ideas and interpretation of the world, the role of the Turkmen people in it. These ideas formed the basis of neutrality of the Turkmen state and continue to be a source of wisdom, succession and, at the same time, innovation and relevance of the political and diplomatic course of Turkmenistan.
It is no coincidence that at a recent international conference marking the Day of Diplomatic Workers of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat it was noted that reliance on the principles of permanent neutrality, peacefulness and equal cooperation create ideological and political prerequisites for building a deeply logical, clearly calibrated trajectory of Turkmenistan’s actions in the international arena, crowned by the innovative initiatives and ideas of the head of state in the areas of security, sustainable development, humanitarian and environmental issues and a number of other important areas.
Indicative in this context are the initiatives put forward by the President of Turkmenistan at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, including on establishment of a global security strategy. Harnessing the potential of neutrality and preventive diplomacy is an integral part of this strategy. It is natural that such initiatives came from Turkmenistan, a country with the internationally recognized legal status. The same logic of continuity and humanism lies in the basis of the initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan on establishment of a systemic dialogue based on trust and mutual respect as a guarantee of peace.
Turkmenistan’s permanent readiness to put its neutrality into the service of peacekeeping and facilitating the negotiation mechanisms in resolving certain controversial situations has earned high praise in the world. That is why Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts in the field of security with an emphasis on the potential of neutrality are aimed at creating strong prerequisites for a systemic dialogue that considers the interests of all participants, the realities of time and focused on building a stable, long-term and predictable global political architecture.
It is no coincidence that monuments to the great national poet and thinker Magtymguly Fraghi are erected in many countries, as a gesture of goodwill, as the most powerful symbol of recognition of Turkmenistan’s reputation and respect for its peace-loving policy.
The first monument to the poet outside Turkmenistan was opened in 1996 in Khiva - the Uzbek city located in the southern part of Khorezm region. There is the Shirgazh Madrasah in Khiva where the classic of Turkmen poetry as well as other well-known poets and scientists of the East studied. In May 2017, on the eve of the working visit to Turkmenistan by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Magtymguly Street and the monument with its bas-relief were inaugurated in Tashkent.
In May 2001, a bronze bust of Magtymguly on a granite pedestal made by Turkmen craftsmen was inaugurated in Proriznaya Street in the center of Kyiv with the participation of the Presidents of Ukraine and Turkmenistan. The front side of the pedestal features the name and dates of Magtymguly’s life in Ukrainian and Turkmen languages.
Two monuments to the great Turkmen humanist poet were erected in the Republic of Turkey. In October 2010, the monument to Magtymguly Fraghi was installed in the picturesque Chopanoglu Park in the center of the Turkish city of Yozgat. Another monument to Magtymguly was opened in the Turkmenistan Park in Ankara in 2012. The height of the monument is almost five meters.
The largest number of geographical points associated with the name ща Magtymguly are located in the territory of the Russian Federation. The first monument to Magtymguly in the Russian territory was erected in 2008, in the village of Edelbay, Blagodarensky district, Stavropol territory. The bronze bust of the poet was donated by the government of Turkmenistan to the Turkmens of Stavropol. Five districts of the region – Ipatovsky, Turkmensky, Blagodarnensky, Arzgirsky and Neftekumsky – are home to a large Turkmen diaspora.
In May 2009, in the center of Astrakhan (the region is also home to a compact Turkmen diaspora – the descendants of Turkmens who moved here during the time of Peter the Great), a solemn ceremony was held to open another monument to the Turkmen poet and thinker of the 18th century. The majestic monument, installed in the park in front of the local university, was donated to Astrakhan by the government of Turkmenistan.
A new school for 190 children was opened in 2018 in the village of Funtovo-1, Privolzhsky district, Astrakhan region. It was built by Turkmen builders at the expense of Turkmenistan and named after the classic of Turkmen literature, Magtymguly Fraghi. A large bust of the poet was placed in the school lobby. The action was meant as a festive gift from Turkmenistan to mark the 300th anniversary of Astrakhan region. This is evidenced by a special plaque mounted on the facade of the building. In the year of the 300th anniversary of the poet’s birth, two new monuments to Magtymguly will appear in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
To some people, the essence of Turkmenistan’s modern foreign policy may seem too far – both in terms of time and substance – from the thoughts that Magtymguly expressed three centuries ago. In fact, this is not true. The foreign policy of Turkmenistan, its practical content in a deep, philosophical sense continues and develops the legacy of the national genius. Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and neutrality are not only political but also moral categories. This is their strength and attractiveness as an example of a responsible, honest and fair approach to the realities of world politics and international relations.
And this is why Magtymguly and modern Turkmenistan, its achievements in the domestic and foreign policy are inseparable concepts. History has taught Turkmens as a nation to value peace, harmony and good neighbourliness above all else. Magtymguly addressed these words to his descendants as a political testament. It was preserved in Turkmenistan and taken to the present day.
With the name of Magtymguly, inspired by his ideas and views, Turkmenistan actively builds and expands partnerships and interaction with other states. Together with friends and like-minded people, Turkmenistan works consistently and systematically to promote plans aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability at the global and regional level, defends the principles of the UN Charter and internationally recognized legal norms. And this work brings tangible results.